OVC Fitness & Rehabilitation Service (OVC FAR)
At the OVC Fitness and Rehabilitation Service, located at the OVC Smith Lane Animal Hospital, we specialize in physical rehabilitation for pets. We accept referrals from our own hospital, the OVC Health Sciences Centre, and veterinarians across Ontario.
Our dedicated team is committed to enhancing your pet’s quality of life through advanced rehabilitative techniques. We create customized programs tailored to your pet’s specific needs and provide hands-on treatment to support their recovery and well-being.
What Is Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation and How Can It Help My Pet?
Dogs and cats can face various health issues throughout their lives that affect their mobility and overall well-being. Much like human physiotherapy, veterinary physical rehabilitation (or animal physical therapy) can support pets in recovering from injuries, surgeries, and age-related conditions. At the OVC Fitness and Rehabilitation Service, our expert medical team will perform a comprehensive assessment and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to restore your pet’s strength, mobility, balance, and quality of life. We also evaluate both acute and chronic pain, creating a tailored treatment approach that includes both medication and alternative therapies to address your pet’s specific needs.
Pain management — Physical rehab employs various techniques to target pain at its source. For example, massage techniques not only soothe sore muscles, but also stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. Acupuncture alleviates pain and promotes healing. Laser therapy uses focused light energy to reduce inflammation and pain, which accelerates the healing process without invasive procedures.
Improved mobility and function — One of physical rehabilitation’s primary goals is restoring and enhancing mobility, so pets can move naturally and easily. Hydrotherapy, in particular, harnesses the buoyancy of water to reduce stress on joints while providing resistance for muscle strengthening. By regaining mobility and function, pets can enjoy a better quality of life and engage in their favorite activities once again.
Faster recovery — Following surgery or injury, physical rehab plays a crucial role in speeding the recovery process. A combination of therapies can promote tissue healing, reduce swelling, and prevent complications such as muscle atrophy. Physical rehabilitation promotes a faster recovery, which minimizes the postoperative confinement period and helps pets return sooner to their normal routines.
Enhanced quality of life — By alleviating pain, improving mobility, and promoting independence, physical rehab allows pets to enjoy life to the fullest. Whether it’s running in the park or playing their favorite game, rehabilitation techniques bring joy to pets, because they can again engage in their favorite activities. Additionally, a higher quality of life often translates to improved mental and emotional well-being, in turn fostering a deeper bond between pets and their families.
Chronic condition management — For pets suffering with chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disease, or neurologic disorders, physical rehab provides ongoing support and management. Rehabilitation therapists customize treatment plans that address the pet’s individual needs and help alleviate clinical signs, slow disease progression, and improve overall comfort and mobility. When physical rehabilitation is incorporated into their care regimen, pets with chronic conditions can lead comfortable and fulfilling lives for years to come.
What Services Are Available For My Pet?
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Post-operative Surgery and Injury Treatment Plans
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Comprehensive Chronic Pain Management Plan (Including Pharmacologic and Non-Pharmacologic Modalities)
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Weight loss Treatment Plans
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Formalized Rehab Plans
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Home Exercise Plans
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Tele- Rehabilitation Appointments
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Measuring for Wheel carts
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Harnesses and Slings
For more information about the types of treatment we offer, please visit the Treatment Options section of our website.
Reference:
- “What Is Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation?” The American Animal Hospital Association, www.aaha.org/resources/what-is-veterinary-physical-rehabilitation/.
Download our OVC Fitness & Rehabilitation service card here
For more information about OVC FAR, email us at ovcfar@uoguelph.ca or phone us at 519-840-0100.
